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Hello Everyone,



 Axis USB Cable



 Polestar USB Cable

I am running an introductory special on the Axis USB and the Polestar USB cables.  Act now, as I am going to raise the price soon.

Here are a couple of links to reviews:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue39/ramblings_computer.htm

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue40/usb.htm

And, an unsolicited excerpt from a post by our very own "Satfrat":

"In a query to What was the best money you ever spent on audio?"

Up to this point for me in my system, hands down the Locus Design Axis USB cable. Surprised The Axis totally redefined my computer audio system and I do mean totally. ...after 3 days i knew I would be paying the $459. But I waited for 3 weeks just so I wouldn't be jumping on 1st impressions...I do that alot. I just paid the bill yesterday after doing A/B comparisons with my K***** USB cable this week. Going back to the K***** was like taking the Gibson headers/Magnaflow high flow catalytic converters/Borla catback exhaust system off my Dodge Magnum and going back to stock. Laughing It won't happen on my car and it's not happening with my audio system. Thumbs up!

There are many more comments like Satfrat's around the web...but enough of tooting my own horn.

Here is the link to read about them and buy one, if you are so inclined.  It wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit if you bought one, really!   

Peace,

Lee

[satfrat]

I still feel the same way Lee and just to make sure I go back to the Kimber every now and again only to find the veiling return along with the harshness at really high volumes that has always crippled my computer audio system. The Axis was a pure revelation for my system and I can't understate that enough. This was with the Trends UD-10.1 USB transport and a Sunfire processor so with higher grade gear like that of Empirical Audio, maybe the Axis would be too much of a good thing and the Polestar would be a better choice. Not for me tho and I don't need to try the Polestar to know that I couldn't take a step back from what I now have. Considering what I'm able to do now, that being very high volume listening w/o any listeners fatigue, I rate the Axis as my #1 system purchase for me and in my system. YMMV!

For another perspective on these 2 USB cables (so Lee won't have to toot his own horn ), check out a review in the current issue of Positive Feedback. http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue40/usb.htm Fortunately this article was written after I had formulated my own conclusions on the Axis so I found it very satisfying that this article mirrored my own opinions overall. aa

Cheers,
Robin

[cryoparts]

Thanks Robin!   

Peace,

Lee

I still feel the same way Lee and just to make sure I go back to the Kimber every now and again only to find the veiling return along with the harshness at really high volumes that has always crippled my computer audio system. The Axis was a pure revelation for my system and I can't understate that enough. This was with the Trends UD-10.1 USB transport and a Sunfire processor so with higher grade gear like that of Empirical Audio, maybe the Axis would be too much of a good thing and the Polestar would be a better choice. Not for me tho and I don't need to try the Polestar to know that I couldn't take a step back from what I now have. Considering what I'm able to do now, that being very high volume listening w/o any listeners fatigue, I rate the Axis as my #1 system purchase for me and in my system. YMMV!

For another perspective on these 2 USB cables (so Lee won't have to toot his own horn ), check out a review in the current issue of Positive Feedback. http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue40/usb.htm Fortunately this article was written after I had formulated my own conclusions on the Axis so I found it very satisfying that this article mirrored my own opinions overall. aa

Cheers,
Robin

[cryoparts]

I am honored to have the Polestar USB Cable chosen for a "5th Annual  Positive Feedback Online's Writers' Choice Awards - for 2008".

Check it out if you are so inclined:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue40/awards_2008.htm

Peace,

Lee

[jrebman]

Lee,

Congrats on the nice review.  Looks like that from JD's comments that I picked the right cable for my tastes -- even if the budget was the deciding factor .  I shuld know soon enough.

-- Jim

[cryoparts]

Lee,

Congrats on the nice review.  Looks like that from JD's comments that I picked the right cable for my tastes -- even if the budget was the deciding factor .  I shuld know soon enough.

-- Jim

Thank you Jim!   

You'll enjoy the cable, feedback thus far has been universally positive.  Soon, another AC'er will post his comments on the Axis--he e-mailed me yesterday and was beside himself.   aa

It's fun when the press loves your stuff, but it really makes my day when a customer who has put up his own dough let's me know how much something I have made has increased his enjoyment of his system.  Makes all the hard work worth it.

Peace,

Lee

[Bill O'Connell]

Wanted to wait a bit before posting my initial impressions but now having just about 200 hours on the Axis USB cable and probably 100 on the Polestar .
 I was just using some cheap USB cable at the time when I read Satfrat(Robin's)initial impressions about how the Axis cable transformed his computer based audio system. So I figured why not give this a try as there is always room for improvement.
 Well, I can honestly say without reservation that the Axis is staying in the system and never leaving. If your into the digital computer music age and you think that it's just 1's & 0's being transferred to your audio system and how in the world can a cable make a difference,it's just a cable for Pete's sake, you are in for an ear opening experience.The information that is hidden inside those 1's & 0's is brought to light using the Axis. Separation of notes is remarkable and even upon first listen will tell you something very special is happening here.
 The authority in which the bottom end and the deepness being separated by notes that otherwise were garbled together now have delineation that just puts the bass runs into a entity of itself while still being part of the whole score.
 Vocals each have their space and presence of performer,taking breath's and clear pronunciation of the written words in which they sing. It's just wonderful hearing the music portrayed in this manner.
 The high frequency was a little unnerving during the first 100 hours of burn in as I believe digital lacks what analog does best in this regard but after 100 hours things really settled down and the decay of a shimmering cymbal or a high-hat being depressed with authority was clearly distinguisable.
 As you can tell, I really love what this Axis cable did for my system. I don't consider myself a cable kind of guy but over the years I've probably tried more then others less then some but the Axis USB has just made the experience of listening more pleasurable in every way.
 If you want to unlock your computer's potential by all means pick up this cable!

 In comparison to the Polestar my initial thoughts are that the Axis has more energy while being just a smidgeon more forward,while the Polestar has a set back a little further soundstage.For my system and my taste the Axis is the one but either would be a wise choice.If your just using some $10 USB cable then you really owe it to yourself to audition and pick up a Locus Design Polestar or Axis. Your ears will thank you.
 
 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All,
 Bill

[jrebman]

Bill,

Great to hear more good comments about these cables.

Can I ask what DAC you're using?

Thanks,

Jim

[Bill O'Connell]

Hi Jim,

 using a Theta DS Pro when using RCA cables, when using balanced XLR cables using the Apogee mini dac for right now.
 Alex Yeung(Eastern Electric) is working on a new DAC and hopefully will be offering that once all is tweaked and ready for the public.Probably 4 months away though.
  The Theta DAC which already had a thunderous bottom end really sounds fantastic with the Axis. I couldn't be happier. The Axis really snapped this DAC into a controlled gripping bottom that I'm thoroughly enjoying.
 Going with the Apogee DAC the soundstage placement of musicians is pinpoint, plus the texture of the music has been enhanced. It truly is a lovely cable

[satfrat]

Wanted to wait a bit before posting my initial impressions but now having just about 200 hours on the Axis USB cable and probably 100 on the Polestar .
 I was just using some cheap USB cable at the time when I read Satfrat(Robin's)initial impressions about how the Axis cable transformed his computer based audio system. So I figured why not give this a try as there is always room for improvement.
 Well, I can honestly say without reservation that the Axis is staying in the system and never leaving. If your into the digital computer music age and you think that it's just 1's & 0's being transferred to your audio system and how in the world can a cable make a difference,it's just a cable for Pete's sake, you are in for an ear opening experience.The information that is hidden inside those 1's & 0's is brought to light using the Axis. Separation of notes is remarkable and even upon first listen will tell you something very special is happening here.
 The authority in which the bottom end and the deepness being separated by notes that otherwise were garbled together now have delineation that just puts the bass runs into a entity of itself while still being part of the whole score.
 Vocals each have their space and presence of performer,taking breath's and clear pronunciation of the written words in which they sing. It's just wonderful hearing the music portrayed in this manner.
 The high frequency was a little unnerving during the first 100 hours of burn in as I believe digital lacks what analog does best in this regard but after 100 hours things really settled down and the decay of a shimmering cymbal or a high-hat being depressed with authority was clearly distinguisable.
 As you can tell, I really love what this Axis cable did for my system. I don't consider myself a cable kind of guy but over the years I've probably tried more then others less then some but the Axis USB has just made the experience of listening more pleasurable in every way.
 If you want to unlock your computer's potential by all means pick up this cable!

 In comparison to the Polestar my initial thoughts are that the Axis has more energy while being just a smidgeon more forward,while the Polestar has a set back a little further soundstage.For my system and my taste the Axis is the one but either would be a wise choice.If your just using some $10 USB cable then you really owe it to yourself to audition and pick up a Locus Design Polestar or Axis. Your ears will thank you.
 
 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All,
 Bill

Hi Bill, you can't believe how happy I am that a fellow AC member finally came forward to express basically the same reaction I had to the Axis and I'm even happier that you also had the Polestar to make your comparisons as I did not. I had the same intial reaction to the Axis also, my bass tightened up but the highs were brittle & edgy. Lee told me to give the cable some time to break in(150 hours) but after only a couple of days I knew this USB cable wasn't being returned and I'd have to dig out the scratch to pay for it. 2 months later now and I'm still tickled silly over what this USB cable has done for my system's listenablility. (If the beer company can use the word drinkablity, I can use listenabilty) My listening fatigue has all but disappeared thanks to the addition of the Axis USB cable in my system. I've had a few folks email me and made the move towards the Axis and so far no one has cursed me for talking BS. aa The reviewer Jeff Day from Positive Feedback did himself prefer the Polestar over the Axis but even he mentioned the awesome clarity of the Axis and his buddy Stephaen actually preferred the Axis in his system. Jeff just thought it was a bit too much. Not for me tho and I guess not for you either Bill. Good for you,,,, good for us!

And good for Lee.

Cheers,
Robin

ps, I'm using  the Axis from my Windows XP HTPC(using J.River Media Center) to a Trends UD 10.1 w/CI VDC-SB power supply & Bolder DC Nitro cable. I'm using the digital out to my Sunfire TG4 processor via a Crystal Cable Digit cable. 2 Butler 3150 tube hybrid amps with Ridge Street Poiema!! IC's and SC to a 6.1 Odyssey Lorelei/Usher X-616/ACI Force XL system.

[cryoparts]

Wow, thanks Bill and Robin!  You guys made my day!   

Peace,

Lee